“CNU is committed not only to survive but to thrive, to take the lead, to excel, and to serve the community in this new normal.”

This is what Cebu Normal University (CNU) President Dr. Filomena Dayagbil said in her message on the 118th Foundation Celebration of the University that was streamed live last Tuesday, June 16, through the CNU Public Information Office (PIO) Facebook account.

Representatives from the different stakeholders of CNU – teachers, alumni, parents, community partners, and students – also gave their messages to honor the celebration.

“I believe we really have to celebrate because we would like to remember milestones. We would like to recognize events, and appreciate our blessings,” Dr. Dayagbil said, although on a different platform devoid of physical contact.

This year’s foundation celebration theme is Thriving, Leading, and Serving in the New Normal. 

“This year’s foundation celebration is indeed very challenging because we are in the midst of a pandemic… This global health crisis has created a lot of changes in the way we live… The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges including challenges in the academic community, but in spite of that, CNU remains steadfast in its commitment to quality, excellence, relevance, and responsiveness,” Dr. Dayagbil said. 

She said that CNU has gotten its strength to continue its commitment to the education sector from stakeholders who have supported the University for 118 years. 

Mr. Romualdo Generalao, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) faculty and National Service Training Program (NSTP) Director said he is a witness of CNU’s transition from a college into a University. He has been a faculty member in CNU since 1984. In his message, he recalled CNU’s rich history and the structures that changed through time. He said that the current administration building has withstood the remarkable tests of time.

He also shared that out of the then 10 state universities in the Philippines, CNU was the first state university in Central Visayas and had the smallest land area with only 1.6 hectares. According to him, CNU was founded on June 16, 1902, a year after the Philippine Normal School was established. 

Dr. Ramir Uytico, Federation of Cebu Normal University Alumni Association Incorporated (FCNUAAI) President said that he will always take the pride of being a CNU graduate. 

“We would like to continue our advocacy in touching the lives of the men and women who are always considered as products of the greatness of the University,” he said.

“As the University braces itself with the new normal way of educating its learners, we remain dedicated in our commitment to be its most dynamic and effective partners in its quest for achieving academic excellence,” Judge Yvette Christine Labrador-Soleng said on behalf of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of the CNU Integrated Laboratory School (ILS). 

Hon. Raul Remulta, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Caputatan Norte, Medellin said that he is thankful for CNU’s constant support to its partner communities.  

“Kini dako kaayong tabang kanamo ilabina sa mga benepisyo nga among natagamtam, sa pag-motivate, sa pag-edukar, sa pagkat-on sa limpyo nga pamaagi. Kini usa ka dakong giya aron kami magmalampuson (It has been a big help to us especially the benefits we have experienced, for motivating, educating, and teaching us what is right. It has been a great guide for us to be successful),” he said. 

Mr. Neil Joseph Iyog, Supreme Student Council (SSC) President; Ms. Keisha Kaye Alberio, Nightingale Student Council (NSC) Governor; and Mr. Romer Ranco II, Educator’s Council Governor also expressed their gratitude on behalf of the students thanking the institution for guiding the students in achieving their dreams, providing the students avenues to hone their leadership skills, and a home where warmth and belongingness inspire them to strive for their future. 

“CNU is fully committed to its deliverables in providing quality and excellence and we continue to thrive. We continue to lead, and CNU continues to serve in the new normal,” Dr. Dayagbil said.

A recording of the CNU 118th Foundation Anniversary Congratulatory Messages can also be viewed at the CNU PIO official YouTube channel. (JDF)